Colorado Freedom Memorial groundbreaking Feb. 2

Following 12 years of fundraising, research and planning, the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation will break ground for construction of a one-of-a-kind tribute to the sacrifice made by Colorado's veterans on the battlefield.

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By La Junta Tribune-Democrat

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By La Junta Tribune-Democrat

Posted Jan. 25, 2013 at 5:00 PM

By La Junta Tribune-Democrat

Posted Jan. 25, 2013 at 5:00 PM

AURORA, Colo. - Following 12 years of fundraising, research and planning, the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation will break ground for construction of a one-of-a-kind tribute to the sacrifice made by Colorado's veterans on the battlefield. Military and civilian dignitaries, as well as Gold Star Families and the general public, will gather to celebrate at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the memorial site, 756 Telluride St. in Aurora.

"The Colorado Freedom Memorial is a long overdue recognition of the debt we owe thousands of Colorado families for the sacrifice of their loved ones to keep us free," said Colorado Freedom Memorial Founder and President Rick Crandall. "We've spent 12 years trying to raise money for construction and researching the names that should be on the Memorial and at times it seemed like this day would never come. It's hard to describe the emotions we all feel right now."

The memorial contains the names of all Colorado veterans killed in action since statehood in 1876, so the Spanish-American War through today. Nearly 6000 names make up the honor roll that will be listed on the memorial's glass panels when it is dedicated on May 26, 2013. Because of the different ways of maintaining records over the years, researching names has been a monumental task.

For the ground-breaking, local Military Commanders and elected officials will be in attendance along with a color guard, singing of the national anthem and short comments. Dignitaries will move the first shovel of dirt followed by Gold Star families. Then the public will be invited to grab a shovel and dig a scoop of dirt.

"It is important to us that everyone feels like they've been a part of this journey, so we're inviting anyone in attendance to be part of the ceremony. We could not have reached this point without many people carrying us along the way!" said Crandall. The Memorial would also not have happened without the generous contributions of 2G Associates, Lockheed-Martin, The Monfort Family Foundation and an anonymous donor as well as hundreds of individuals and organizations who believed in the importance of honoring Colorado's fallen veterans.